With winter rearing its head early this year in Eastern Canada and the promise of plenty of snow throughout the season, it’s time to start planning your fat bike adventures. One of the best things about living in Cottage Country is that you’re never too far from a trail – here are a few suggestions for getting out and doing some winter cycling! The Old Railway Bike Trail – Algonquin Park (Map 71/D4-A3) Traveling 16 km (10 mi) between Rock Lake and Cache Lake, during the winter, this route becomes a multi-use recreation trail with groomed cross-country ski trails. The relatively flat rail-bed makes it perfect for fat bike riders to enjoy the Algonquin back-country. Jump on the trail at Lake of Two Rivers, where fat bike rentals are also available. A day-use permit is required for anyone spending time in the park. Photo via algonquinpark.on.ca Riverside Adventure Park – Bracebridge (Map 51/A7) Managed by Liv Outside in Bracebridge, the local outdoor retailer has created a network of trails which run through forests on private land right through the heart of town. The trails can be accessed right from the shop at 271 Ecclestone Drive and a permit is required. Fat bike rentals are also available at the store. Georgian Nordic Ski Club – Parry Sound (Map 67/A6) Set in the rugged Canadian Shield just outside Parry Sound, the Georgian Nordic Ski Club maintains over 30 km (18 mi) of winter ski trails. During the summer the trails can be explored by mountain bikers and the club has now opened up nine of its trails to winter fat bike riders. A day pass or yearly membership is required. Additionally, in town, check out the 6 km Rotary and Algonquin Regiment Waterfront Fitness Trail that follows the shoreline of Georgian Bay. Photo via gnoac.ca Torrance Barrens – Gravenhurst (Map 35/D2) A dark sky preserve in the heart of Cottage Country, Torrance Barrens welcomes hiking, snowshoeing and fat bikes during the winter season. The mainly flat trails are perfect for fat bikes and the main loop is the best option as it is typically well packed by other users. Photo via: Eastern Canada Backroad GPS Maps Long Sault Conservation Area – Bowmanville (Map 12/F6) Just north of Bowmanville and east off Highway 57, Long Sault offers 18 km (11 mi) of trails spread over four loops. Other outdoor adventurers make use of the conservation area during the winter so the trails should be perfect for fat bike riders. Photo via: Cottage Country Backroad Mapbook Durham Forest/Glen Major – Uxbridge (Map 11/F7) One of the top mountain bike destinations in north Durham during the summer, fat bike trails are now being established in Durham Forest during the winter. That said, with hikers exploring the trail network here, expect trails to be packed for fat bike riding. Glen Major sits just south of Durham Forest and offers even more riding opportunities. Photo via durhamregion.com Limberlost Forest – Huntsville (Map 69/G7) Northeast of Dwight off Highway 60, Limberlost Forest is home to 70 km (43 mi) of trails. The trails are free to use but donations are gratefully accepted to help with trail maintenance. Riders are asked to avoid the groomed ski trails. Photo via limberlostforest.com Northumberland Forest – Cobourg (Map 14/E5) North of Cobourg, 2,225 ha (5,500 ac) of managed forest is home to more than 45 km (28 mi) of multi-use trails. Accessed via Beagle Club Road, during the winter, the Woodlands Trails are the place to head with your fat bike. Photo via: Cottage Country Backroad Mapbook South March Highlands – Ottawa (Map 78/D7) During the summer, the trails in South March Highlands in Kanata offer technical and challenging features but the winter snow helps smooth things out for fat bikes. Trails range from easy in the east to progressively harder the further west in the trail network you ride. The trails are multi-use so please be courteous to other users. Riders will also find plenty of trails to explore across the river in Gatineau Park. Photo via: Eastern Canada Backroad GPS Maps Pefferlaw Forest – York Region (Map 11/D2) Accessed right off Durham Road 23, this managed forest is a popular destination for locals. Consisting of relatively flat double-track logging roads, be aware snowmobiles run through here as well during the winter. Fat bike riders can watch for the “secret” trails, created by local riders, which offer single track that winds its way through the forest. Photo via: Eastern Canada Backroad GPS Maps Be sure to pick up a copy of our Cottage Country Ontario Backroad Mapbook for detailed information on these and even more fat biking areas! Did we miss your favourite winter adventure in Ontario? Let us know in the comments below or share your best adventure photos with us on Instagram using #brmblife for a chance to be featured on our feed and win prizes.
